Rue 21 opening Thursday at Northland Mall

Published: Tuesday, July 22, 2014 1:15 a.m. CST

BY PAM EGGEMEIER
peggemeier@saukvalley.com
800-798-4085, ext. 5570

STERLING – The new Rue 21 at Northland Mall will have its grand opening Thursday.

The discount fashion retailer’s target demographic is teenagers, but Rue 21 markets itself as a store that “appeals to anyone with a flair for fashion.” The store carries clothing and accessories for girls and guys.

The company, based in Warrendale, Pennsylvania, operates more than 1,025 stores in 47 states; its expansion plan calls for opening 120 new sites each year. The company increased its number of stores from 500 to 1,000 from 2009 to 2013.

While most retailers opt for growth in metropolitan areas, Rue 21 targets underserved consumer bases in more rural areas.

The store brings about 15 jobs, most of them permanent part-time associate positions.

Dunham’s Sports, a national sporting goods chain, will move into space next door to Rue 21. The Troy, Michigan-based retailer has more than 200 stores in 12 states, including a presence in Galesburg, Peoria, and Davenport, Iowa.

Dunham’s initially said it would open the Sterling store in late summer or early fall. Mall management is still waiting for an update from Dunham’s.

“The corporate office doesn’t have an opening date yet,” said Karyn Brouilette, Northland Mall general manager. “I do know that they have several stores scheduled to open in September, so it’s a busy time for them.”